Feasibility

The Feasibility element of the Fund is for organisations that have ideas and need assistance with project development. The aim is to develop organisations to such a level that they can qualify for investment.

Finance available

Business development grants of £10,000-£20,000 for project development. There will also be a handful of grants of up to £75,000 for larger projects.

Support available

Each organisation will receive support from the Communitybuilders business support team or through business development grants of up to five days of support for use with external consultants of professional advisors.  This could cover a wide range of needs, for example:

  • Feasibility studies
  • Lease negotiation
  • Developing successful planning applications
  • Business development
  • Advice on winning and delivering contracts
  • Market analysis and development
  • Professional fees for architecture, legal advice etc
  • Intensive support

Note that we have a limited supply of support and finance available. The organisations selected will be the ones who best show their commitment to becoming sustainable and becoming investable.

Find out if you might be eligible

Partnerships

We are not able to support more than one anchor in a defined area. However, we would welcome applications from two anchors in a local area that wished to explore working more closely together and would be willing to commit additional feasibility funds to support that collaboration.

Additionally, partnership or hub and spoke arrangements are eligible provided that there is a third sector lead partner, the partners meet the eligibility criteria between them and more than 50% of the local anchor services are provided by organisations that have been in existence for at least a year.

Local Mediation Service

Where appropriate, The Social Investment Business will offer its Local Mediation Service which is aimed at resolving barriers to investment between potential investees and local government. Upon recommendation by the Supporter a trained mediator will facilitate a session with the parties involved.